Leg Umpire Rules in Cricket – Duties, Signals & Responsibilities Explained

In cricket, the role of the leg umpire is often underestimated by casual viewers, yet it is crucial for ensuring fair play and accurate decision‑making. While the main umpire (at the bowler’s end) gets most of the attention, the leg side umpire — also called the square leg umpire — has a unique vantage point and a specific set of responsibilities under the Laws of Cricket.

In this blog, we’ll break down the leg umpire rules, duties, and signals, along with practical insights from real match scenarios. Whether you’re a budding umpire, a cricket player, or a fan wanting to understand the game better, this guide will help you appreciate the leg umpire’s role.

Who is the Leg Umpire?

The leg umpire stands on the leg side of the batsman’s end, usually at square leg (90 degrees to the pitch) or slightly deeper depending on the match situation. This position gives them a clear view of the batsman’s crease, the wicketkeeper’s actions, and certain angles that the main umpire cannot see.

Primary Duties of a Leg Umpire

According to the Laws of Cricket and standard umpiring guidelines, the leg umpire is responsible for:

1. Run Out Decisions (Striker’s End) Determining if a batsman is run out at the striker’s end by checking whether the bat or body is grounded behind the popping crease before the wicket is broken.
2. Stumping Decisions Watching for stumpings by the wicketkeeper, ensuring the batsman’s foot is grounded inside the crease when the bails are removed.
3. No‑Ball Calls for Height Signalling a no‑ball if a short‑pitched delivery passes above the batsman’s head or shoulder height (depending on the format’s rules).
4. Hit Wicket Decisions Observing if the batsman dislodges the bails with their bat, body, or clothing while playing a shot or setting off for a run.
5. Monitoring the Wicketkeeper Ensuring the wicketkeeper does not move illegally before the ball is delivered and that they remain behind the stumps until the ball passes the batsman.
6. Wide Ball Judgement (Leg Side) Calling a wide ball if the delivery passes outside the batsman’s reach on the leg side without making contact.
7. Boundary Judgement Assisting in decisions about whether the ball has crossed the boundary rope, especially on the leg side.
8. Signalling to the Scorers Communicating decisions such as no‑balls, wides, penalties, and boundaries to the scorers clearly.

Positioning & Movement

The leg umpire’s positioning is not static. They may:

• Stand closer to the pitch for better visibility in low‑light conditions.
• Move deeper towards the boundary for aerial shots or to judge catches.
• Adjust their angle to avoid obstructing fielders or the batsman’s view.

Common Signals Used by a Leg Umpire

• No‑Ball (Height) – One arm extended horizontally.
• Wide Ball – Both arms extended horizontally.
• Run Out/Stumping – Raising the index finger after appeal.
• Boundary Four – Waving arm back and forth across the chest.
• Boundary Six – Both arms raised above the head.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Leg Umpire Rules in Cricket

Que 1. What is The Role of a Leg Umpire in Cricket?

Ans: The leg umpire, also called the square leg umpire, assists the main umpire by making decisions on run outs, stumpings, no‑balls for height, and wide balls on the leg side. They also monitor the wicketkeeper’s position and help judge boundaries.

Que 2. Where Does The Leg Umpire Stand During a Match?

Ans: The leg umpire usually stands at square leg (90 degrees to the pitch) on the leg side of the batsman. They may adjust their position deeper or closer depending on the match situation.

Que 3. What Are The Main Duties of a Leg Umpire?

Ans: Key leg umpire duties include:

• Judging run outs at the striker’s end
• Calling stumpings
• Signalling no‑balls for height
• Calling wides on the leg side
• Monitoring the wicketkeeper’s movement
• Assisting in boundary decisions

Que 4. Can The Leg Umpire Call a No‑ball?

Ans: Yes. The leg umpire can call a no‑ball if a short‑pitched delivery passes above the batsman’s head or shoulder height, as per the Laws of Cricket.

Que 5. How Does The Leg Umpire Signal a Wide Ball?

Ans: For a wide ball on the leg side, the leg umpire extends both arms horizontally to signal to the scorers.

Que 6. Does The Leg Umpire Make LBW Decisions?

Ans: No. LBW (Leg Before Wicket) decisions are made by the main umpire at the bowler’s end, as they have the best view of the ball’s trajectory.

Que 7. Why Is The Leg Umpire Important in Cricket?

Ans: The leg umpire provides a different angle of vision that the main umpire cannot see, ensuring accurate decisions for stumpings, run outs, and leg side deliveries.

Que 8. What Signals Does The Leg Umpire Use?

Ans: Common cricket umpire signals from the leg umpire include:

• No‑ball (arm extended horizontally)
• Wide ball (both arms extended)
• Boundary four (arm waved across chest)
• Boundary six (both arms raised above head)
• Out (index finger raised)

Que 9. Can The Leg Umpire Overrule The Main Umpire?

Ans: No. The leg umpire can offer input if consulted, but the final decision rests with the main umpire unless technology (DRS) is used.

Que 10. Are Leg Umpire Rules The Same in All Cricket Formats?

Ans: Yes, the Laws of Cricket apply across formats, but playing conditions (like bouncer limits) may vary in Tests, ODIs, and T20s.

Also Read: What Do Cricketers Apply on Their Face to Avoid Tan?

Conclusion

The leg umpire is more than just a secondary official — they are the eyes on the leg side, ensuring that every stumping, run out, and no‑ball call is accurate. By understanding leg umpire rules and responsibilities, players and fans can better appreciate the precision and teamwork required to officiate a cricket match.